KWTX KWTX (Gray Television, Inc.) Tuesday announced the upcoming retirement of senior forecaster Rusty Garrett, after three decades of service to Central Texas and Central Texans.

Rusty Garrett. (KWTX photo)

In the coming weeks KWTX will celebrate Garrett’s legacy in the broadcast industry in nightly newscasts and with appearances in communities throughout Central Texas.

“We want viewers to have the opportunity to personally congratulate Rusty as we honor his remarkable career and a legacy of protecting the lives of Central Texans that will continue long past his final nightlyweathercast on June 28,” said KWTX News Director Bob Walters.

Garrett has been the chief forecaster at KWTX News 10 since 1989 and is credited with overseeing the creation of the region’s most advanced forecast center, helping to assemble the station’s team of meteorologists and rolling out the Weather Edge, a state-of-art mobile forecasting unit,

He’s just the fourth chief forecaster, and the longest serving one, in the station’s 64-year history.

“I just feel it’s the right time. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to have been a part of so many families’ daily lives. I’ve had a great journey and it is hard to believe I have spent half of my life at Channel 10. It’shard to wrap my head around all of the changes I’ve seen in technology over the years,” Garrett said.

Garrett, a native Texan, started his broadcast career as a radio announcer while still in high school in his hometown of Victoria.

He spent a decade working for radio stations from Victoria to Corpus Christi before making the jump to television, heading TV weather departments in Longview-Tyler and Lufkin-Nacogdoches before moving toCentral Texas to succeed longtime forecaster Roy Cook.

He arrived at the start of a wave of change in forecasting technology, as the National Weather Service’s Next Generation Weather Radar or NEXRAD went online and the station purchased what at the time wasthe largest commercially available Doppler radar to ensure complete regional coverage.

“Through many late nights and early mornings, Rusty has been the voice of calm in the storm whenever severe weather threatened Central Texas,” said KWTX Managing Editor and long-time coworker Rick Bradfield.

Garrett has also been a strong advocate for preparation before the storm, spearheading the KWTX school weather safety program Project Tornado and talking to students in schools across 16 Central Texas counties about what to do when severe weather threatens.

“Thousands grew up watching Rusty and learning important lessons from his Project Tornado curriculum, today those folks now have children of their own who are getting that same education from him,” said KWTXVice President and General Manager Josh Young.

“No one has single-handedly championed weather safety more than Rusty,” Young said.

Garrett’s involvement in the community doesn’t stop with advocating weather safety.

He has served on the boards of directors of the United Way and the American Red Cross and every year as the local chairman of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Christmas campaign.

“There’s no question that one of the things Rusty is most passionate about is the annual Toys for Tots campaign. As the public face of the annual toy drive he has helped ensure there were gifts under the treeon Christmas morning every year for tens of thousands of children throughout Central Texas,” Bradfield said.

On May 2 Garrett was honored with “The Others Award,” the Salvation Army’s highest honor bestowed on individuals who selflessly support the mission of the organization.

“I am humbled and grateful to partner with the Salvation Army. I’m beyond words,” said Garrett after receiving the honor.

Not wanting to steal the spotlight, Garrett praised long-time Salvation Army volunteers and members of the U.S. Marine Corps for their tireless work and commitment to the campaign.

Garrett is also an active Mason.

In 2007, he was installed as District Deputy Grand Master for The Grand Lodge of Texas.

He is also Past Master of Waco's Fidelis Masonic Lodge #1127.

In September of 2017, he was bestowed the 33rd degree by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite.

“His love and commitment to the community and especially its children are obvious to anyone who watches News 10,” said KWTX anchor and longtime friend Julie Hays.

“People ask me all the time about Rusty Garrett and what I’m saying today is what I’ve said for nearly 20 years. The friendliest, most-lovable weather guy you see on your TV at home is the same man in real life.Rusty is genuine, kind, caring, funny and one of the greatest co-workers I’ve ever had the opportunity to share my time with at KWTX,” Hays said.

Co-anchor Gordon Collier agrees.

“Rusty Garrett and I have been friends and co-workers since his hair matched his nickname and mine covered my entire scalp,” he said.“In my life, he will go down as one of the finest men I've ever met. Not only is he the backbone of our onair news team and the most recognized KWTX personality, he's also a pillar in the community. If I ever grow up I want to be just like Rusty Garrett.”

Garrett says he plans to continue the community service and to support the station projects with which he has become synonymous over the past three decades.

“Food For Families is the largest one-day food drive in Texas and I plan to continue to be a part of the live broadcasts for many years to come. And, my commitment to working with the U.S. Marine Corps to ensureno child goes without a present under the Christmas tree through the station’s annual toy drive will continue long past my last forecast,” Garrett said.

“Rusty has been a great friend and mentor during our time together at KWTX,” Meteorologist Brady Taylor said.

“His passion to serve this community is undeniable. From severe weather coverage to countless community events, Rusty has worked tirelessly to help and protect the people of Central Texas.”

Garrett has agreed to return to the KWTX Weather Center to substitute when other KWTX meteorologists are away, but he says he’s looking forward to not wearing a suit every day.

“It will be a real change of pace, but I’m so looking forward to being on the viewer-side of the television set at home in Falls County, traveling with my wife and spending more time with my son.”

Garrett’s wife Ann is an instructional specialist for a local school district.

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